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A federal judge sentenced a former Arkansas judge Wednesday to five years in prison — a stiffer punishment than prosecutors recommended — after he admitted giving young male defendants lighter sentences in return for personal benefits that included sexual favours.

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In a 60 Minutes online exclusive, reporter Liz Hayes quizzed Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on his relationship with the unpredictable Twitter aficionado and US president Donald Trump ahead of their meeting at the White House Friday.

Naked political ambition animates campaign

The ACT's unique electoral system makes name recognition paramount and independent candidate Kim Huynh, the owner of the torso in question, is hoping people will associate the body with the name in the polling booth.

But the political science lecturer has a serious underpinning to his candidacy.

"The simple reason we always come back to is that Canberra has been just wonderful to me and my family; it saved our lives as refugees," he tells AAP.

"I wanted to figure out how I could give back to the community and this was a great way to do that."

He's aiming to offer a community service in the run up to the October 15 poll, not just put all his energy into "simply asking people for votes".

To that end his team has written a series of fact-checking articles on the major issues of the campaign.

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Then there's the major effort "to put a smile on people's faces as they go to and from work" with the "crazy signs", different outfits and daily cycling around the Ginninderra electorate with an advertising flag on his back.

"I understand there's a vexed nature of signs, particularly at this election ... with the increased number of candidates and signage there's been a lot of consternation and from some people incredible disgust over the signs," he says.

"But I'd hope to say that mine are a bit better in that regard. We've been really trying to be conscious of visual pollution and make them as aesthetically pleasing as possible."

The expansion to 25 members and redistribution to have five electorates each picking five representatives, along with a record field of 141 candidates, has made the job of independents even tougher.

Mr Huynh is realistic about his chances but hopes his run will inspire more people, especially the young, to consider how they can engage in public and community life.

"I don't think politics is an amoral pursuit about getting as many votes as you can," he says.

"Even if I don't get up I'll certainly be pushing that for as long as I possibly can, that we can have moral and decent politics."